He was born circa 1776. His father was Jose Antonio Guerra, and his mother was Maria Luisa Chapa.
In 1782, he lived in Mier in household number 38. The church census recorded that he was a young child, español, and 6 years old. His household included 7 people:
Jose Antonio Guerra Cañamar, married, español, age 24.
Maria Luisa Chapa, married, española, age 21.
Francisco Cruz Guerra Cañamar, a young child, español, age 6.
Juan Jose Guerra Cañamar, a young child, español, age 4.
Jose Santos Guerra Cañamar, a young child, español, age 1.
Maria Gertrudis Carmona, single, casta, age 19.
Jose Nemecio Guerra, a child, casta, age 8.